Final answer:
Osteoporosis is primarily an age-related disease that weakens bones, making them prone to fractures, especially in the elderly. It's more prevalent in post-menopausal women and prevention is essential. The disease results from an imbalance in bone resorption and formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that osteoporosis is a disease of the elderly population is mostly true, but it should be noted that while it is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger individuals under certain conditions. Osteoporosis is an age-related disorder in which bones lose mass, weaken, and become more susceptible to fractures. It is particularly common in post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes that decrease the production of estrogen, a hormone important for maintaining bone density. The best treatment for osteoporosis is prevention, which includes a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, coupled with weight-bearing exercise to build bone mass before the age of 30.
Fractures are the most severe consequences of osteoporosis, especially among the elderly. Reduced eyesight and balance problems can increase the risk of falls, leading to fractures that can result in serious health complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. A greater understanding of the balance between bone resorption and bone formation is significant in designing therapeutic interventions for osteoporosis.